Synonyms for

Function

Verb / ˈfʌŋkʃʌn / Another word for function — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a special activity or purpose of a person or thing

Synonyms & similar words

work socialoccasion use malfunction office officiate role affair procedure mapping purpose serve socialfunction routine subroutine run part mathematicalfunction go occasion subprogram singlevaluedfunction map operate role purpose duty task job responsibility objective mission operation performance use utility benefit advantage feature characteristic attribute property quality trait

Synonyms by register

Formal

purpose role operation capacity duty

Informal

job gig task thing purpose

Literary

office rendezvous purpose

Antonyms

dysfunction inactivity idleness cessation stoppage disruption

Common collocations

  • perform a function
  • primary function
  • key function
  • essential function
  • social function
  • mathematical function
  • user function
  • function call

Word family

noun function
verb function
adjective functional
adverb functionally

Usage note

As a verb, 'function' often implies working correctly or performing its intended purpose. It is generally more formal than 'work'.

Example sentences

  1. The function of a refrigerator is to keep food cold.
  2. I need to function well in school to get good grades.
  3. The function of a teacher is to educate students.
  4. The computer functioned perfectly after I fixed it.
  5. The function of a clock is to tell time.

Quotes

  • The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education. - Martin Luther King Jr.
  • The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. - Ralph Nader
  • The function of music is to release us from the tyranny of conscious thought. - Sir Thomas Beecham

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